'There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all may believe through him.' John 1:6-7
Also in World Mission Sunday
Sister Mary's story > Papal Message > Resources > World Mission Sunday 2022 > World Mission Sunday 2021 > World Mission Sunday 2020 >Sunday 13 December 2020
Each year the Church in England and Wales celebrates Home Mission Sunday. Normally this would take place in September, but this year September held so many challenges for everyone that it was moved to Gaudete Sunday. It is our hope that this is a better time of year to focus on Evangelisation.
THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew.
Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis
Our Mission is to help the local Church share the joy of the Gospel so the connection Gaudete Sunday. Preparing for Christmas gives us several opportunities to share our faith with the people we love. Recognising the many pressures on parishes, the resources offered here have been chosen to support and develop your efforts to share the Good News during these turbulent times.
We are creating resources to enable individuals, families and parishes to engage with the mission of the Church on Home Mission Sunday and beyond. We will upload:
Bishop Mark O’Toole, Chair of the Department for Evangelisation and Discipleship has written to clergy about Home Mission Sunday. He shares the increased need for evangelisation in these difficult times. Please click below to read Bishop Mark’s letter;
The Home Mission Office has a presence on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Our social media platforms offers a platform for people to share what they are doing to share the Good News. We hope to inspire others by the example of others who share their faith authentically, creatively and with tenderness. If you would like to be among the first to see and share these posts please click on the tabs below.
There are so many organisations who creatively engage with the mission of the Church. They reach out to people in need of the joy experienced through an encounter with Christ. We have put a spotlight on two, in the hope that our readers will connect with them or be inspired by the Holy Spirit to try something of their own.
There are so many draws on everyone’s finances during these turbulent times, so there will not be a Home Mission collection this year.
However, if you would like make a secure donation online, it’s quick, easy and your giving can be made anonymously if that is what you prefer.
'Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely.' 1 Thessalonians 5:19-23a
Our good news stories are just a few real life encounters with Christ that we hope will inspire others to open their heart to the Holy Spirit.
